\m 


PROCEEDINGS 


AT  THE 


Unveiling  of  the  Monument 


TO  THE 


Charleston  Light  Dragoons^ 


Magnolia  Cemetery,  Charleston,  S.  C. 


MAY  10th,  1886. 


ORATIONS: 


Generals  M.  C.  BUTLER  and  B.  H.  RUTLEDGE. 


CHARLESTaN,  S.  C. 
Walker,  Evans  &  Cogswell  Co.,  Printers, 

3  and  5  Broad  and  117  East  Bay  Streets. 
I 


DuRe  Uniyersity  Ubmy 


George  Washington  Flowe? 
Memorial  Collection 

DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 

ESTABLISHED  BY  THE 
FAMILY  OF 
COLONEL  FLOWERS 


PROCEEDINGS 

AT  THE 

Unveiling  of  the  Monument 

TO  THE 

Charleston  Light  Dragoons, 

Magnolia  Cemetery,  Charleston,  S,  C. 

MAY  10th,  1886. 


— ^ORATIQNS   =- 

OF 

Generals  M.  C.  BUTLKR  and  B.  H.  RUTLEDGK. 


CHARLESTON,  S.  C 
Walker,  Evans  &  Cogswell  Co.,  Printers, 

3  and  5  Broad  and  117  East  Bay  Streets. 
1889. 


Digitized  by 

the  Internet  Archive 

in  2015 

https://archive.org/details/proceedingsatunvOObutl 


CAVALIERS  OF  CAROLINA. 


THE  BRAVE  DEEDS  AND  GLORIOUS  DEATHS  OF 
THE  DRAGOONS. 


Gen.  Butler's  Speech  at  the  Unveiling  of  the  Monu- 

MENT  TO  THE  DeAD  OF  THE  CHARLESTON  LiGHT  DrAGOONS 

ON  Memorial  Day — The  Lessons  of  the  Lost  Cause — 

The  Immortality  of  Lee  and  Davis. 

The  flags  al  the  City  Hall,  at  the  Police  Station  and  at  the 
Citadel  were  displayed  at  half-mast  yesterday,  and  the  bells 
of  St-  Michael's  were  tolled  while  the  people  of  Charleston 
repaired  to  Magnolia  Cemetery  to  decorate  the  graves  of  the 
Confederate  soldiers  who  are  buried  in  that  beautiful  City  of 
the  Dead.  The  occasion  was  made  memorable  this  year  by 
the  services  attending  the  dedication  of  the  monument  to  the 
deceased  members  of  that  historic  corps,  the  Charleston  Light 
Dragoons. 

AT  THE  CONFEDERATE  GRAVES. 

In  order  to  allow  every  one  to  attend  both  services,  the 
decoration  of  the  graves  in  the  Confederate  enclosure  took 
place  at  5  o'clock.  The  ceremonies  were  very  simple  and 
brief  The  Rev.  John  O.  Willson,  of  Trinity  Methodist 
Church  opened  them  with  the  following  prayer: 

O  Lord,  our  God,  who  rulest  in  Heiven  and  in  earth,  we 
lift  our  hearts  in  prayer  to  Thee,  We  stand  in  the  resting- 
place  of  the  dead,  our  hearts  are  full  of  sad  memories,  yet  we 
come  with  thanksgiving.  We  thank  Thee  that  we  know 
Thee,  the  true  God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  didst  send. 
We  thank  Thee  that  Thou  hast  revealed  to  us  the  fact  that 


4 


we  are  immortal.  We  thank  Thee  that  Thou  dost  give  us 
eternal  Hfe  through  Christ  Jesus,  our  Lord  and  Saviour.  We 
thank  Thee  that  this  gift  is  offered  to  all  the  world 

With  our  thanksgiving  for  these  supreme  mercies,  we 
would  mingle  thanks  for  other  blessings.  We  thank  Thee 
for  our  sunny  land,  for  its  glorious  history,  for  the  noble  men 
and  women  of  the  past,  for  their  worthy  survivors  and  succes- 
sors. We  give  special  thanks  for  the  heroic  lives  of  our  fall- 
en soldiers  and  for  the  fidelity  of  our  people  in  days  that 
tried  us.  We  pray  Thy  blessing  upon  us.  We  are  surrounded 
by  tokens  of  them  that,  being  dead,  yet  speak.  In  remem- 
brance of  our  hero-dead  we  have  assembled.  Prepare  us  to 
execute  the  offices  of  this  Memorial  Day  in  a  worthy  spirit. 
Fill  our  minds  and  hearts  with  such  recollections,  aspirations 
and  purposes  as  shall  be  acceptable  to  Thee  and  profitable  to 
us.  Help  us  to  go  hence  and  to  live  hereafter  "  for  God  and 
home  and  native  land."  Finally,  bring  us  all  into  Thine  ever- 
lasting kingdom  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  And  to 
Thee,  O  God,  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Spirit,  will  we  give  praise 
forever.  Amen. 

At  the  close  of  this  prayer  Col.  S.  B.  Pickens  announced 
that  the  services  had  been  abbreviated  in  order  to  allow  the 
audience  to  attend  the  ceremonies  of  dedicating  the  Light 
Dragoons  monument.  The  inmates  of  the  Confederate 
Home,  under  the  lead  of  that  staunch  friend  of  the  Home, 
Mrs.  M.  A.  Snowden,  were  present,  and  in  a  few  moments 
every  headstone  in  the  lot  was  crowned  with  a  wreath  of 
laurel  leaves  encircling  a  wreath  of  roses.  The  base  of  the 
Confederate  monument  in  the  centre  of  the  lot  was  covered 
with  fresh  moss,  on  which  were  laid  four  palm  leaves  and  a 
floral  anchor. 

THE  DRAGOONS  MONUMENT. 

The  cenotaph  erected  by  the  survivors  of  the  Charleston 
Light  Dragoons  is  situated  on  the  northeastern  edge  of  the 
Cemetery,  near  the  receiving  vault,  and  is  a  conspicuous  fea- 
ture of  the  Cemetery.    Its  base  is  enclosed  by  a  circular 


5 


granite  curbing,  and  the  shapely  shaft  stands  out  against  the 
clear  sky,  towering  above  all  surrounding  objects.  It  has  a 
history.  The  monument  was  to  have  been  dedicated  last 
May,  it  will  be  remembered,  but  the  shaft  fell  while  it  was 
being  hoisted  in  position  and  was  broken.  Another  piece  of 
granite  was  quarried,  and  this,  too,  fell  and  was  broken  on  its 
way  to  Charleston. 

The  third  shaft  was  sucessfully  placed  in  position  some 
months  ago,  but  the  dedication  ceremonies  were  postponed 
until  Decoration  Day,  which,  in  this  State,  is  May  lo.  The 
shaft  bears  on  its  west  face  the  monogram  "  C.  L.  D.,"  in 
raised  letters.  The  die-block,  which  rests  upon  four  bases,  is 
of  polished  granite,  with  the  following  inscription  : 

Wesl  Face. 

i86i  1865. 

To  the  Heroic  Dead  : 

James  W.  O'Hear,  Lieutenant, 
J.  Allen  Miles,  Sergeant, 
Alfred  Manigault,  Corporal, 
Charles  E.  Prioleau,  Corporal, 
Arthur  Robinson,  Corporal. 

PRIVATES. 

James  Adger,  Jr., 
Josiah  Bedon, 
James  L.  Bee, 
J.  H.  W.  Boone, 
Benjamin  Bostick, 
James  Creighton, 
W.  R.  Davis, 
VV.  H.  Fairly, 
A.  C.  Frierson, 
T.  G.  Holmes. 


0)1  the  Base. 
CHARLESTON  LIGHT  DRAGOONS. 


0 


Soil  til  Face. 

To  the  Heroic  Dead  : 

W.  L.  Kirklaiid, 

Thomas  Lining, 

T.  S.  Marion, 

W.  W.  McLeod, 

F.  K.  Middleton, 

O.  H.  Middleton,  Jr., 

T.  W.  Mordecai,  Jr., 

Edward  W.  Nowell, 

J.  J.  A.  O'Neill, 

A.  B.  Philips, 

Percival  R.  Porcher, 

J.  R.  P.  Pringle, 

Alexander  Robertson,  Jr.,  . 

Eber  R.  Robertson, 

Louis  M.  Vanderhorst. 

On  the  Base. 
TREVILIAN'S  STATION. 

East  Face. 

Cold  Harbor. 
Louisa  Courthouse. 
White  House. 
Nance's  Shop. 
Saponey  Church. 
Gravelly  Run. 
Reams'  Station. 
Bellefield  Station. 
Hatcher's  Run. 
Burgess'  Mill. 
Cantey's  Farm. 
P'ayetteville. 
Bentonville. 


7 


On  the  Base, 
POCOTALIGO,  S.  C. 

NortJi  Face. 

And  how  can  man  die  better 

Tlian  facing  fearfi'.l  odds  ; 
For  the  ashes  of  his  fathers, 

And  the  Temples  of  his  Gods. 

On  the  Base. 
HAWES'  SHOP,  VA. 

THE  CEREMONIES. 

Shortly  after  5  o'clock  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  and 
the  invited  guests  arrived  in  carriages  and  were  provided  with 
seats  on  a  platform,  which  had  been  erected  near  the  monument 
and  to  the  west  of  it.  There  were  seated  on  the  platform, 
Major-Gen.  M.  C.  Butler,  Gen.  B.  H.  Rutledge,  Mayor  Courte- 
nay,  the  Rev.  W.  T.  Thompson,  D.  D.,  the  Rev.  C.  E.  Chi- 
chester, Adjutant  and  Inspector  General  Manigault,  Gen.  John- 
ston, of  the  Citadel  Academy,  Gen.  John  C.  Minott,  Capt.  F. 
W.  Dawson,  Col.  C.  H.  Simonton,  Major  T.  G.  Barker,  Major 
H.  E.  Young,  Col.  Z.  Davis,  Ex-Capt.  L.  C.  Nowell,  Mr.  E. 
L.  Wells,  Gen.  Edw.  McCrady,  Mr.  D.  Lynch  Pringle.  Col. 
S.  B.  Pickens,  Mr.  John  Harleston,  Capt.  T.  O'Brien,  Post- 
master Huger,  Gen.  Stokes  and  other  distinguished  Dragoons 
and  veterans. 

The  Light  Dragoons,  in  full  uniform,  and  the  survivors,  in 
citizens'  dre?s,  arrived  shortly  afterward  and  formed  around 
the  stand,  a  large  crowd  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  being  scat- 
tered around  the  monument. 

THE  DEDICATORY  PRAYER. 

At  half-past  5  o'clock  Gen.  Rutledge  introduced  the  Rev. 
W.  T.  Thompson,  D.  D.,  who  opened  the  ceremonies  with 
the  following  prayer  : 


8 


Lord  God  Almighty,  Ruler  of  Heaven  and  earth,  under 
Thine  own  blue  sky,  in  this  beautiful  place  of  burial,  within 
sound  of  the  restless  sea,  whose  endless  sob  is  a  fitting  re- 
quiem for  those  who  sleep  the  sleep  of  death,  we  are  gath- 
ered, the  remnant  of  a  mighty  martial  host,  to  unveil  with 
solemn  ceremony  this  granite  shaft  to  perpetuate  the  memory 
of  gallant  comrades,  who,  amidst  the  thunder  of  battle,  or  in 
the  suffering  hospital,  gave  up  their  lives  in  patriotic  main- 
tenance of  principle.  We  thank  Thee  that  we  have  not  be- 
come forgetful  of  what  they  were,  that  we  are  not  lost  to  all 
sympathy  with  the  cause  for  which  they  so  grandly  fell.  Ac- 
cept of  our  praise  for  the  ability  to  rear  this  testimonial  of 
our  deathless  affection  for  that  heroic,  melancholy  past  which 
can  never  be  forgotten. 

If  it  please  Thee,  let  the  winds  deal  kindly  with  this  monu- 
ment, give  the  lightning  charge  that  it  strike  it  not,  let  not 
time,  with  its  slow  corrosion,  mar  its  fair  proportions,  nor 
efface  its  fond  inscription,  that,  when  we  have  passed  away 
and  shall  have  been  forgotten,  with  a  mute,  resistless  elo- 
quence it  may  tell  to  all  succeeding  generations  the  touching 
story  of  a  valor  that  was  peerless,  and  of  a  devotion  to  con- 
viction of  duty  that  faltered  not  at  any  sacrifice. 

Beside  our  dear  soldier  graves,  thrilling  with  emotions  no 
language  can  translate,  under  the  spell  of  old  associations, 
we  bow  in  reverent  submission  to  Thy  sovereign  will,  and 
invoke  Thy  blessing  upon  the  land  in  which  we  dwell  and 
upon  the  Government  under  which  we  live.  Take  possession 
of  all  hearts,  subdue  unlawful  passion.  Make  this  people 
wise  with  a  wisdom  that  is  Divine,  righteous  with  the  right- 
eousness of  God,  fraternal  in  the  exercise  of  an  affection  that 
is  inspired  by  Him  whose  name  is  Love,  and  unto  the  Father, 
Son  and  Spirit  we  will  render  praise  forever.  Amen. 

GEN.  RUTLEDGE'S  INTRODUCTORY  REMARKS. 

Gen.  Rutledgc  then  addressed  the  meeting  as  follows  : 

We  have  met  together,  my  old  comrades,  to  pay  the  last 
tribute  of  respect  and  affection   within  our  power  to  the 


9 


memory  of  our  gallant  associates,  who  gave  their  lives  in  de- 
fence of  the  principles  for  which  their  honor  and  faith  were 
pledged.  We  have  recorded  their  names  and  fame  in  enduring 
granite,  taken  from  the  bosom  of  the  State  they  loved  so  well. 

The  causes,  purposes  and  consequences,  the  right  or  wrong 
of  that  great  conflict  belong  now  to  history.  It  matters  not 
in  what  way  opinions  differ  on  the  subject,  all  generous 
spirits  unite  in  paying  homage  to  fidelity,  courage  and 
patriotism. 

It  was  my  high  privilege,  my  friends,  to  lead  you  into  the 
war.  I  was  with  you  in  your  first  battle.  A  veteran  officer 
of  the  United  States  navy  was  present,  and  acted  on  the  occa- 
sion as  volunteer  aid  to  Gen.  Walker,  who  commanded.  He 
placed  us  in  position.  It  was  trying.  You  were  exposed  to 
a  heavy  fire  of  shells  from  gunboats  on  your  left  flank  and 
to  the  fire  of  field  guns  and  musketry  in  front  at  unusually 
close  range.  In  the  heat  of  battle  he  came  up  to  me  and  asked  : 
"  Have  your  men  been  under  fire  before?"  and  when  answered 
in  the  negative,  exclaimed  ;  "  I  have  never  seen  greater  steadi- 
ness, and  I  could  not  have  believed  it  unless  I  had  seen  it." 
Although  removed  subsequently  from  the  immediate  com- 
mand of  the  company,  we  were  together  through  all  your 
varied  and  severe  experiences ;  and  at  no  time  did  you  fail 
to  sustain  the  highest  standard  of  soldierly  excellence. 

Your  ranks  melted  away  under  the  cruel  exigencies  of 
war  ;  but  the  spirit  of  the  small  remnant  which  was  surren- 
dered at  the  last  was  as  undaunted  and  unbroken  as  when 
Capt.  Hartstene  wondered  at  your  bearing  upon  your  first 
baptism  of  fire. 

It  is  not  fit  that  I  should  tell  the  story  of  your  achieve- 
ments. We  are  too  near  together.  Do  what  I  might,  I 
could  not  escape  from  the  influences  of  personal  feeling.  Let 
it  be  told  with  plain,  unvarnished  truth  by  the  heroic  soldier 
whose  flag  we  followed  from  Hawes's  Shop  to  Bentonville. 

With  sadness,  but  also  with  pride,  we  shall  hear  his  narra- 
tive of  your  war  record — a  record  which  wreath 5  with  glory 
the  names  of  the  dead  and  affords  to  each  survivor  the  proudest 
memories  of  his  life. 


10 


GEN.  BUTLER'S  ORATION. 

Gen.  M.  C.  Butler  arose,  and  "after  acknowledging  the  ap- 
plause which  greeted  his  appearance,  spoke  as  follows  : 

My  Comrades  and  Friends,  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  :  In 
complying  with  your  request  to  become  your  spokesman  to- 
day, I  do  not  know  that  I  can  employ  the  time  permitted  for 
my  remarks  more  profitably  than  by  giving  a  brief  sketch  of 
the  Charleston  Light  Dragoons. 

When  I  received  the  invitation  to  make  the  address  at  the 
unveiling  of  your  monument,  I  applied  to  my  distinguished 
friend.  Gen,  Rutledge,  who  has  been  so  conspicuously  identi- 
fied with  this  organization,  to  supply  me  with  such  data  as 
he  might  be  able  to  command  in  relation  to  its  early  history, 
and  I  shall  venture  to  adopt  as  my  own  the  interesting  and 
valuable  contribution  he  has  made. 

A  SKETCH  OF  THE  LIGHT  DRAGOONS. 

The  first  organization  of  the  Charleston  Light  Dragoons 
cannot  now  be  positively  determined.  One  thing,  however, 
is  certain — it  is,  if  not  the  oldest,  one  of  the  oldest  military 
organizations  in  the  country. 

There  has  always  been  a  troop  of  cavalry  in  this  city,  from 
very  early  times. 

In  the  SontJi  Carolina  Gazette  of  January  6,  1733,  is  re- 
corded a  "  Parade  of  Troop  of  Horse  Guards,  commanded 
by  Hon.  Col.  Samuel  Prioleau,  and  commissions  read,"  &c. 

In  January,  1791,  there  was  more  than  one  troop  of  Charles- 
ton Light  Dragoons.  Isaac  Harleston,  a  captain  in  Colonel 
(afterwards  General)  Moultrie's  regiment,  died  in  possession 
of  Gen.  Moultrie's  order  book — which  is  still  in  possession  of 
his  descendants — and  among  the  leaves  of  that  book  was 
found  the  following  card  of  invitation  :  "  The  First  Troop  of 
Charleston  Light  Dragoons  request  the  pleasure  of  Capt. 
Harleston's  company  to  dine,  at  the  Long  Room,  Church 
Street  Theatre,  on  Wednesday,  July  4,  at  3  o'clock." 

In  the  Times  of  July,  18 13,  recording  the  future  proceed- 
ings of  the  Revolutionary  Society,  is  rendered  a  list  of 


11 


"  the  toasts  drank  by  the  tldrd  troop  of  Charleston  Light 
Dragoons." 

It  is  fair  to  presume  that  one  and  the  same  organization 
has  continued  from  the  first  formation  of  the  troop  in  1733, 
as  Charleston  Horse  Guards,  to  this  day.  The  tradition  is 
that  the  name  of  "  Horse  Guards"  was  adopted  in  Colonial 
days,  in  imitation  of  the  London  Horse  Guards,  and  after  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  it  was  probably  changed  to 
Charleston  Light  Dragoons."  Another  circumstance  con- 
firmatory of  this  idea  is,  that  the  same  names  appear  over 
and  again  in  the  course  of  years  in  connection  with  this 
organization,  probably  the  sons  following  in  the  footsteps  of 
the  fathers. 

The  first  captain  in  1733  was  Col.  Samuel  Prioleau.  There 
were  two  Pri'^leaus  in  the  company  during  the  Confederation, 
one  of  whom,  C.  E.  Prioleau,  was  killed  at  Matadaquin 
Creek.  Again,  Major  Benjamin  Huger,  of  the  Continental 
Army,  was  killed  in  the  lines  at  Charleston  in  1777,  while  in 
command  of  a  portion  of  this  very  cavalry,  and  Sergt.  Benja- 
min Huger  fought  gallantly  through  the  Confederate  war  in 
the  ranks  of  the  Charleston  Light  Dragoons,  three-quarters 
of  a  century  afterwards. 

According  to  the  statements  of  men  but  recently  passed 
away,  three  companies  of  Charleston  Light  Dragoons  existed 
as  late  as  1822,  but  the  war  spirit  had  faded,  and  it  was  found 
very  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  keep  up  three  or  even  two 
companies  of  cavalry  in  this  city,  and  in  1822  these  compa- 
nies were  amalgamated  and  formed  into  one  company,  retain- 
ing the  old  name. 

From  this  date  the  company  continued  in  full  force,  with 
regular  successive  officers,  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war. 

At  the  very  beginning  of  the  late  troubles  in  January, 
1861,  and  while  under  the  militia  organization  of  the  State, 
the  company  was  ordered  into  service — the  officers  at  that 
time  being  :  B.  H.  Rutledge,  captain  ;  R.  I.  Jeffords,  ist 
lieutenant ;  R.  H.  Colcock,  2d  lieutenant ;  R.  W.  Disher,  3d 
lieutenant — by  the  Governor  of  the  State,  and  did  duty  on 
Sullivan's  Island  and  the  sea  coast  until  they  were  mustered 


12 


into  Confederate  service  for  the  war,  as  an  independent  corn- 
pan}/,  in  May,  1862,  with  the  following  officers:  B.  H.  Rut- 
ledge,  captain;  R.  H.  Colcock,  ist  lieutenant  ;  L.  C  Nowell, 
2(1  lieutenant  ;  J.  W.  O'Hear,  3d  lieutenant,  Company  64 
rank  and  file,  as  follows  : 


In  accordance  with  the  late  Act  of  Congress,  this  company 
has  re-organized  for  the  war.  The  officers  were  all  unani- 
mously re-elected.  The  following  is  the  muster  roll  of  the 
company: 


B.  H.  Rutledge,  Captain. 

R.  H.  Colcock,  First  Lieutenant. 

L.  C.  Nowell,  Second  Lieutenant. 

J.  W.  O'Hear,  Third  Lieutenant. 

J.  E.  Harleston,  First  Sergeant. 

J.  C.  Bickley,  Second  Sergeant. 

B.  F.  Huger,  Third  Sergeant. 

E.  N.  Ball,  Fourth  Sergeant. 

J.  H.  W.  Hutchinson,  Fifth  Sergeant. 

S.  W.  Simons,  First  Corporal. 

J.  A.  Miles,  Second  Corporal. 

L.  R.  Bostick,  Third  Corporal. 

Alex.  Rose,  Fourth  Corporal. 


THE  ROLL  OF  THE  DRAGOONS. 


PRIVATES. 


R.  F.  Bostick, 
H.  D.  Burnet, 
B.  R.  Burnet, 
J.  M.  Clark, 
J.  M.  Chisolm, 
T.  H.  Colcock, 


James  L.  Bee, 
William  Bell. 


F.  M.  Barnwell, 


Edward  Bostick, 


James  Creighton, 
W.  R.  Davis, 
C.  M.  Desel, 
J.  B.  Desel, 
B.  C.  Dupont, 
T.  B.  Dnpont, 
T.  O.  Elliott, 
W.  H.  Fairly, 
P.  G.  Fitzsimons, 
Daniel  Fludd, 


) 


J.  H.  Freer, 
J.  J.  Frierson, 
H.  M.  Fuller,  Jr., 
E.  T.  Gaillard, 
A.  B.  Gordon, 
A.  F.  Gregorie, 
W.  D.  Gregorie, 
Isaac  Gregorie, 
John  Happoldt, 
J.  K.  Heyward, 
E.  C.  Holland. 

E.  G.  Holmes, 
T.  G.  Holmes, 
A.  Huguenin, 

A.  H.  Jenkins,  Jr., 
W.  S.  Lance, 
Thos.  Lining, 
Arthur  Lining, 
G.  E.  Manigault, 

A.  Manigault, 

B.  P.  Marion, 
J.  M.  Martin, 
Vincent  Martin, 
Edward  Martin, 
W.  A.  Martin, 
P.  J.  Maxwell, 
J.  Y.  Meetze, 

F.  K.  Middleton, 
J.  J.  Miles, 

W.  W.  McLeod, 


13 

J.  J.  McPherson, 
H.  M.  Neyle, 
E.  W.  Nowell, 
T.  O'Brien, 
J.  J.  A.  O'Neille, 
J.  C.  Palfrey, 
M.  B.  Pringle, 
C.  E.  Prioleau, 
G.  E.  Pritchett, 
James  Purcell, 
B.  S.  Rhett,  Jr., 
J.  B.  Richardson, 
John  Richardson, 
Alex.  Robertson, 
John  Robinson, 
Arthur  Robinson, 
Henry  Seabrook, 
Joseph  Seabrook, 
Ion  Simons, 
J.  G.  Thurston, 
L.  Vanderhorst, 
W.  E.  Vincent, 
A.  C.  Wagner, 
J.  R.  Waring, 
W.  W.  White, 
J.  D.  White, 
G.  Wilkins, 
E.  Witsell, 
W.  H.  Witsell, 
A.  McD.  Wragg. 


THE  BATTLE  OF  POCOTALIGO. 


After  their  enlistment  in  the  Confederate  array,  the  compa- 
ny was  kept  on  the  coast  of  this  State  for  some  two  years. 
During  this  period  the  battle  of  Pocotaligo  occurred.  The 
Dragoons  played  a  very  important  part  in  this  singularly  gal- 
lant but  unequal  contest,  in  October,  1862. 


14 


It  may  be  interesting^  to  refer  somewhat  in  detail  to  this  en- 
gagement, as  it  appears  to  have  been  very  decisive  and  impor- 
tant in  its  results.  Gen.  W.  S.  Walker,  more  familiarly  known 
as  "Live  Oak"  Walker — and  a  most  gallant  and  accom- 
plished soldier  and  gentleman  he  is — states  in  his  official  re- 
port of  the  battle,  that  he  had  only  405  men  actually  engaged 
— while  from  the  best  information  he  could  get  from  prison- 
ers and  other  sources,  the  enemy  "  had  seven  regiments,  one 
of  which  went  to  Coosawhatchie." 

The  enemy  had  landed  at  Mackey's  Point  on  the  22d  of 
October,  1862,  and  evidently  intended  to  make  a  most  deter- 
mined effort  to  break  the  Confederate  line  of  defence  and 
effect  a  lodgment  on  the  main  land,  from  which  Charleston 
and  Savannah  might  be  turned,  and  it  was  of  the  greatest 
consequence  that  they  should  be  thwarted  and  driven  back. 

Although  there  was  great  disparity  of  numbers,  Gen.  Walk- 
er made  his  dispositions  with  this  handful  of  men  in  such  a 
manner  and  resisted  the  attack  of  the  enemy  so  vigorously, 
that  after  an  engagement  of  nearly  seven  hours,  from  11.30 

A.  M.  to  6  p.  M.,  he  retreated  to  the  cover  of  his  gunboats  and 
reimbarked  for  their  former  positions. 

Ar>  has  been  stated,  among  the  troops  on  the  Confederate 
side  who  made  this  gallant  fight,  were  the  Charleston  Light 
Dragoons.  Gen.  Walker  gives  the  strength  of  his  command 
in  the  following  language  : 

"  The  force  with  which  I  first  engaged  the  enemy,  consisted 
of  two  sections  of  the  Beaufort  Volunteer  Artillery  and  the 
Nelson  Light  Artillery,  eight  pieces,  under  the  command  of 
Capt.  Stephen  Elliott  ;  the  Charleston  Light  Dragoons,  Capt. 

B.  H.  Rutledge  ;  1st  [14th  on  register]  Battalion,  (cavalry), 
Major  J.   H.  Morgan  ;   Capt.   D.   B.  Heyward's  company 

.of  Cavalry;  Capt.  Kirk's  Partisan  Rangers;  Capt.  J.  B. 
AUston's  company  of  Sharpshooters,  and  Capt.  A.  C. 
Izard's  company  (I)  of  the  i  ith  regiment  infantry,  Lieut.  W. 
L.Campbell,  commanding;  number,  in  all,  475.  As  one- 
fourth  of  the  cavalry  were  horse-holders,  the  force  actually 
engaged  was  reduced  to  405  men.  The  force  of  the  enemy 
was  represented  by  prisoners  and  confirmed  by  the  statement 


15 


of  negroes,  who  had  crossed  at  Port  Royal  Ferry  to  the  main 
land  on  that  day,  and  been  captured,  to  be  seven  regiments, 
one  of  which,  I  judge,  went  to  Coosawhatchie." 

Having  held  the  Charleston  Light  Dragoons  in  reserve,  he 
thus  refers  to  their  services  at  a  critical  period  of  the  battle  : 

THE  CHARGE  OF  THE  DRAGOONS. 

At  the  crisis  of  the  fight  I  ordered  up  the  Charleston  Light 
Dragoons.  That  gallant  corps  came  forward  with  an  inspirit- 
ing shout  and  took  position  on  my  left,  which  wanted 
strengthening." 

He  estimates  the  enemy's  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  at 
300,  and  says  of  the  conflict  and  the  conduct  of  the  troops: 

"The  fight,  from  the  first  fire  of  our  advance  to  the  final 
retreat  of  the  enemy,  lasted  from  11.30  A.  m.  to  6  p.  m.  We 
had  ample  reason  to  believe  that  our  small  force  not  only 
fought  against  great  odds,  but  against  fresh  troops  brought  up 
to  replace  those  first  engaged.  The  entire  command  had  been 
earnestly  warned,  in  orders,  not  to  waste  their  fire.  This  cau- 
tion was  urged  upon  them  during  the  action  by  the  command- 
ing officer,  his  aids  and  the  company  officers.  I  am  satisfied 
from  my  own  observation,  they  fired  with  care  and  judgment, 
and  yet  some  of  our  men  expended  eighty  rounds  of  cart- 
ridges in  the  battle.  The  close  vicinity  of  the  ordnance  train, 
under  its  energetic  chief.  Captain  W.  W.  Elliott,  enabled  me 
to  keep  up  the  supply. 

"  I  beg  to  express  my  admiration  of  the  remarkable  cour- 
age and  tenacity  with  which  the  troops  held  their  ground. 
The  announcement  of  my  determination  to  maintain  my  posi- 
tion until  reinforcements  arrived,  seemed  to  fix  them  to  the 
spot  with  unconquerable  resolution.  The  rapid  and  contin- 
uous volleys  of  the  enemy's  musketry  were  only  intermitted 
while  fresh  troops  were  being  brought  up,  and  while  those 
engaged  were  retired." 

Gen.  Walker  pays  the  following  compliment  to  the  Dra- 
goons and  their  gallant  commander : 

*'  Capt.  Rutledge,  of  the  Charleston  Light  Dragoons,  was 
cool  and  collected  in  both  fights.    His  gallant  corps  was  held 


16 


in  reserve,  and  when  they  took  up  their  position  came  with  a 
most  inspiriting  cheer,  which  the  men  engaged,  returned,  thus 
giving  the  impression  to  the  enemy  of  decided  reinforcements." 

Coming  from  such  a  source,  this  is  commendation  deserv- 
ing to  be  highly  cherished,  and  no  doubt  was  well  merited. 

The  losses,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  of  Gen.  Walk- 
er's command  are  given  at  163;  21  killed,  1 24  wounded  and 
18  missing.    The  Dragoons  had  8  wounded. 

IN  butler's  brigade. 

Early  in  1863  this  company  was  incorporated,  with  others, 
who  formed  the  4th  South  Carolina  Cavalry,  of  which  B.  H. 
Rutledge  was  Colonel^  William  Stokes,  Lieutenant  Colonel  ; 
W.  P.  Emanuel,  Major.  By  this  change  R.  H.  Colcock  be- 
came Captain  of  the  Light  Dragoons.  The  company  remained 
on  this  coast  until  March,  1864,  and  at  that  time  they  were 
ordered  with  the  regiment  to  the  army  of  Northern  Virginia 
as  part  of  the  brigade  of  M.  C.  Butler. 

When  the  4th  regiment  of  South  Carolina  Cavalry  marched 
to  Virginia,  in  the  early  spring  to  become  a  part  of  that  grand 
army  of  Northern  Virginia,  and  the  followers  of  that  incom- 
parable Chieftain,  Gen.  R.  E.  Lee,  this  company  was  constituted 
as  follows : 


R.  H.  Colcock,  Captain. 
L.  C.  Nowell,  First  Lieutenant. 
T.  W.  O'Hear,  Second  Lieutenant. 
E.  Harleston,  Jr.,  Third  Lieutenant. 
T.  C.  Beckley,  First  Sergeant. 
B.  F.  Huger,  Second  Sergeant. 


PRIVATES. 


J.  A.  Miles, 
B.  S.  Rhett, 
Alfred  Manigault, 
R.  Adams, 
Jas.  Adger,  Jr., 


L.  A.  Bostick, 
E.  C.  Holland, 
J.  W.  Clark, 
J.  R.  Adams, 
Josiah  Bedon, 


17 


J.  S.  Bee, 

W.  H.  Bellinger, 

W.  Blake, 

J.  W.  Boone, 

B.  Bostick, 

B.  R.  Burnet, 

J.  L.  Brisbane, 

Wm.  Bell, 

W.  A.  Boyle, 

J.  M.  Chisolm, 

W.  R.  Davis, 

C.  M.  Desel, 

J.  B.  Desel, 

T.  W.  Durant, 

B.  C.  Dupont, 

A.  R.  Elmore, 

J.  W.  Evans, 

W.  H.  Fairly, 

A.  C.  Frierson, 

A.  B.  Gordon, 

A.  F.  Gregorie, 

T.  G.  Holmes, 

Jas.  Hopkins, 

J.  M.  Howell, 

P.  H.  Hutchinson, 

A.  H.  Jenkins,  Jr., 

W.  L.  Kirkland, 

J.  W.  Law, 

F.  Lewis, 

A.  P.  Lining, 

Thos.  Lining, 

G.  E.  Manigault, 

W.  H.  Manning, 

R.  H.  Martin, 

F.  Middleton, 

O.  H.  Middleton, 

J.  J.  Miles, 

E.  W.  Mikell, 

H.  M.  Neyle, 

E.  W.  Nowell, 

T.  O'Brien, 

L.  W.  O'Hear, 

A.  C.  Palfrey, 

A.  B.  Phillips, 

P.  R.  Porcher, 

J.  J.  Pringle, 

J.  B.  P.  Pringle, 

D.  L.  Pringle, 

M.  B.  Pringle, 

C.  E.  Prioleau, 

J.  M.  Prioleau, 

H.  W.  Richardson 

J.  B.  Richardson, 

R.  C.  Richardson, 

A.  Robinson, 

PI  R.  Robertson, 

John  Robinson, 

A.  Robertson, 

A.  R.  Taylor, 

E.  L.  Trenholm, 

J.  G.  Thurston, 

W.  E.  Vincent, 

L.  Vanderhorst, 

J.  H.  Waring, 

M.  N.  Waring, 

R.  Weston, 

A^.  R.  Withers, 

W.  W.  White, 

A.  McD.  Wragg, 

W.  H.  P'ishburne, 

E.  L.  IVells, 

J.  H.  Freer, 

W.  W. 

2 

McLeod. 

18 


THE  KJLLED   AND  WOUNDED. 

And  as  Gen.  Rutledge  has  kindly  furnished  me  with  a  Hst 
of  its  casualties,  I  may  as  well  insert  it  here,  embracing,  as  I 
understand,  all  the  casualties  from  the  beginning  to  the  end 
of  the  war : 


J/J//i7/2?/'//^/7  nun  (  n  hfifvp/ 

vV  UlLfCLtLLA/  LifCtl'   \^Ltyl/llr  LC 

Lt.  J.  W.  O'Hear, 

Lt.  L.  C.  Nowell,  (w  &  c) 

J.  A.  Miles, 

B.  F.  Huger,  (w) 

A.  Robinson, 

S.  W.  Simons,  (w) 

J.  Bedon, 

L.  R.  Bostick,  (w) 

James  L.  Bee, 

E.  C.  Holland,  (w) 

J.  H.  W.  Boone, 

R.  Adams,  (w  &  c) 

Benj.  Bostick, 

J.  Adger,  Jr.,  (w) 

W.  R.  Davis, 

Wm.  Bell,  (w  &  c) 

W.  H.  Fairly, 

J.  B.  Desel,  (\v  &  c) 

T.  G.  Holmes, 

A.  C.  Frierson,  (c) 

W.  L.  Kirkland, 

A.  B.  Gordon,  (c) 

Thomas  Lining, 

P.  H.  Hutchinson, (w) 

F.  K.  Middleton, 

G.  E.  Manigault,  (w  &  c) 

O.  H.  Middleton,  Jr., 

E.  M.  Nowell,  (w) 

P.  R.  Porcher, 

T.  O'Brien,  (w) 

J.  R.  P.  Pringle, 

J.  J.  A.  O'Neille,  (w) 

C.  E.  Prioleau, 

A.  B.  Phillips,  (w) 

A.  Robertson,  Jr., 

J.  M.  Prioleau,  (w) 

E.  R.  Robertson, 

W.  W.  White,  (w  &  c) 

L.  Vanderhorst. 

A.  McD.  Wragg,  (w) 

W.  H.  Fishburne,  (vv) 

E.  L.  Wells,  (w) 

This  is  an  enormous  bill  of  mortality,  my  friends.  Forty- 
eight  and  a  half  per  cent,  of  the  whole  number,  I  doubt  if 
any  other  mounted  company,  in  either  army  of  the  civil  war, 
can  show  as  large  a  one.  And  what  is  a  very  remarkable 
fact — there  were  but  two  men  captured  who  had  not  been 
wounded  or  placed  /lors  de  combat. 


19 


THE  ENGAGEMENT  AT   HAWES's  SHOP. 

The  regiment  to  which  the  company  was  attached,  the  4th 
South  Carohna,  reached  Gen.  Lee's  army  in  April,  1864,  near 
the  beginning  of  that  terrible  campaign,  and  made  a  part  of 
Butler's  Brigade,  composed  of  the  4th,  5th  and  6th  South 
Carolina  regiments  of  cavaby,  which,  with  Rosser's  Virginia 
and  Young's  Georgia  Brigade's,  made  up  Hampton's  Division. 

The  first  fight  in  which  the  company  was  engaged,  was 
near  Hawes's  Shop,  in  front  of  Richmond,  where  it  suffered 
frightfully  in  killed  and  wounded.  I  had  not  then  assumed 
command  of  this  new  brig^ade,  and  only  two  regiments,  the 
4th  and  5th,  commanded  by  Col.  Rutledge,  were  present,  the 
6th  having  been  detached  for  temporary  duty  in  some  other 
part  of  the  army.  This  battle  has  been  represented  as  a  most 
bloody  and  desperate  one.  and  I  was  greatly  grieved  when  I 
learned  a  few  days  afterwards  what  havoc  had  been  made 
among  the  flower  of  the  Ciiarleston  Light  Dragoons.  Two 
of  my  college  mates  and  special  friends,  Tosiah  Bedon  and 
Jimmy  O'Hear,  were  among  the  slain,  and  many  others 
equally  worthy  and  gallant. 

Time  will  not  permit  me,  nor  is  this  the  proper  occasion,  to 
enumerate  and  give  an  account  of  the  battles,  combats  and 
skirmishes  in  which  this  company  was  engaged  during  that 
wonderful  and  ever-memorable  campaign  of  1864  ;  but  hav- 
ing had  access  to  the  reports  of  the  Federal  officers  of  the 
operations  of  their  cavalry  for  that  period,  it  might  prove  in- 
teresting if  I  should  make  some  extracts  to  show  in  what  es- 
timation we  were  held  by  our  enemies. 

PHIL.   SHEKIDAN'S  tribute. 

Gen.  Sheridan,  who  commanded  the  cavalry  corps,  Meade's 
army,  says  in  his  report  of  the  fight  at  Hawes's  Shop  on  the 
28th  of  May,  1864  : 

"  I  was  immediately  after  ordered  to  demonstrate  in  the  di- 
rection of  Mechanicsville,  in  order  to  find  out  tlie  enemy's 
whereabouts,  and  therefore  directed  Gregg's  division  to  move 
out  via  Hawes's  Shop,  on  the  Mechanicsville  road,  but  when 
about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  in  advance  of  Hawes's  Shop  it 


20 

encountered  the  enemy's  cavalry,  which  was  dismounted  and 
behind  a  temporary  breastwork  of  rails,  &c.  Gregg  vigo- 
rously attacked  this  force,  which  appeared  to  be  the  Rebel 
cavalry  corps,  and  a  brigade  of  South  Carolina  troops,  re- 
ported 4,000  strong,  armed  with  long-range  rifles,  and  com- 
manded by  a  Col.  Butler;  these  Carolinians  fought  very  gal- 
lantly in  this  their  fiist  fight,  judging  from  the  number  of 
their  dead  and  wounded  and  prisoners  captured.  The  most 
determined  efforts  were  made  on  both  sides  in  this  unequal 
contest,  and  neither  would  give  way  until  late  in  the  evening, 
when  Custer's  Michigan  brigade  was  dismounted,  formed  in 
close  column  of  attack,  and  charged,  with  Gregg's  division, 
when  the  enemy  was  driven  back,  leaving  all  his  dead,  and  his 
line  of  temporary  works  in  our  possession. 

"  This  was  a  hard  contested  engagement,  with  heavy  loss, 
for  the  number  of  troops  engaged,  to  both  sides,  and  was 
fought  almost  inmiediately  in  front  of  the  infantry  line  of  our 
army,  which  was  busily  occupied  throwing  up  breastworks. 
After  dark,  our  own  and  the  enemy's  dead  being  buried,  we 
moved  to  the  rear  of  the  infantry,  and  went  into  camp  on  the 
morning  of  the  next  day — the  29th — in  the  vicinity  of  Old 
Church." 

The  "  4,000  strong,"  of  this  report  was  too  much,  as  you 
had  but  two  regiments  of  my  brigade,  not  aggregating  more 
than  1,000  men  all  told,  "which  appeared  to  be  the  Rebel 
cavalry  corps.'''  As  I  have  said,  I  was  not  entitled  to  the 
credit  of  the  command  of  "  these  Carolinians''  who  fought 
so  gallantly  in  this  their  "  first  fight  " — where  the  Charleston 
Light  Dragoons  so  distinguished  themselves.  Col,  Rutledge 
was  in  command.    And  again,  of  the  fierce  combat 

AT  MATADAQUIN  CREEK 

on  the  30th  of  May,  he  says  : 

This  force  encountered  the  pickets  of  the  first  division  at 
Matadaquin  Creek,  but  they  held  fast  and  fought  gallantly 
until  reinforced  by  their  division  on  the  north  side  of  the  creek, 
which  took  up  the  contest.  The  fight  then  became  general 
and  was  stubbornly  contested,  but  the  enemy  finally  gave 
way,  and  was  pursued  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  Cold 
Harbor.  In  this  fight  Butler's  South  Carolinians  were  again 
put  in  to  receive  the  brunt,  and  many  of  them  were  killed  and 
captured." 


21 

This  movement  was  made  by  me  in  obedience  to  orders 
direct  from  the  commandinp-  general  of  the  army  (Gen.  Lee), 
to  ascertain  if  Grant  was  still  moving  to  the  left,  and  although 
we  were  pretty  roughly  handled  in  the  attack  I  made  to  un- 
cover the  designs  of  the  enemy,  the  result  was  accomplished. 
It  enabled  Gen.  Lee  to  occupy  first  that  strategic  point  of  so 
much  importance  to  both  armies,  Old  Cold  Harbor,  whence 
he  delivered  such  deadly  blows  to  Grant's  assaulting  columns. 

THE   FIGHT  AT  NANCE's  SHOP. 

You  cannot  have  forgotten  the  attack  we  made  on  Gregg's 
division,  near  St.  Mary's  Church  or  Nance's  Shop,  where  we 
put  him  to  flight  and  captured  so  many  prisoners.  Sheridan 
says  of  this  encounter  : 

"At  St.  Mary's  Church.  Gregg  was  attacked  by  the  entire 
cavalry  corps  of  the  enemy,  and  after  a  stubborn  fight,  which 
lasted  unlil  after  dark,  was  forced  to  retire  in  some  confusion, 
but  without  any  loss  in  material.  This  very  creditable  en- 
gagement saved  the  train,  which  should  never  have  been  left 
for  the  cavalry  to  escort." 

He  is  much  mistaken  in  saying  "Gregg  was  attacked  by 
the  entire  cavalry  corps  of  the  enemy."  He  was  attacked  in 
front  by  Butler's  brigade  and  on  the  flank  by  one  regiment 
of  Fitz  Lee's  command,  the  9th  Virginia  and  a  part  of  Gary's 
brigade,  and  no  others.  Scarcely  a  shot  was  fired  by  any 
other  troops.  While  my  attention  is  drawn  to  Sheridan's 
report  I  will  make  a  few  other  extracts  : 

"  It  will  be  seen  by  the  foregoing  narrative  that  the  idea 
advanced  by  me  at  the  commencement  of  the  campaign,  viz  : 
"  that  our  cavalry  ought  to  fight  the  enemy's  cavalry,  and 
our  infantry  the  enemy's  infantry,"  was  carried  into  effect  im- 
mediately after  the  battle  of  the  vVilderness.  The  result  was 
constant  success  and  the  almost  total  annihilation  of  the 
Rebel  cavalry.  We  marched  when  and  where  we  pleased  ; 
were  always  the  attacking  party,  and  always  successful. 

>};  *  *  *  *  * 

"As  soon  as  Wilson  was  found  to  be  safe  I  was  ordered 
back  to  Lighthouse  Point  and  vicinity  to  rest  my  command, 
which  had  marched  and  fought  for  fifty-six  consecutive  days, 


22 


and  remained  there  from  the  2d  till  the  26th  of  July,  refitting 
and  picketting  the  left  of  the  army, 

*  <<  >\c  ^  >j<  ^ 

"  In  the  foregoing  brief  sketch  I  have  been  unable  to  give 
in  detail  the  operations  of  the  cavalry,  and  will  have  to  trust 
to  the  subordinate  reports  to  make  up  the  deficiency.  In 
constquence  of  our  constant  activity,  we  were  obliged  to  turn 
over  our  wounded  and  prisoners  whenever  and  wherever  op- 
portunity offered,  and  oftentimes  without  receipts;  I  am  also, 
therefore,  unable  to  furnish  an  accurate  list  of  either  my  casu- 
alties or  prisoners  captured  from  the  enemy.  I  think  my 
casualties,  from  May  5  to  August  i,  will  number  between 
5,000  and  6,000  men,  and  tiie  captures  in  prisoners  will  ex- 
ceed 2,000." 

At  the  close  of  this  report  he  annexes  the  following  tabu- 
lated statement  of  his  casualties  : 

Casualties  in  the  cavalry  corps.  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
Major-General  P.  H.  Sheridan,  commanding,  from  May  4  to 
July  30.  1864  ; 

F'irst  Division — Killed:  Officers  15,  privates  247.  Wound- 
ed :  Officers  67,  privates  965.  Missing  :  Officers  17,  privates 
553-    Aggregate,  1,854. 

Second  Division  —  Killed  :  Officers  20,  privates  145. 
Wounded  :  Officers  59,  privates  782.  Missing  :  Officers  24, 
privates  354.    Drowned:  Privates  2.    Aggregate,  1,386. 

Third  Division — Killed:  Officers  14,  privates  79.  Wounded: 
Officers  35,  privates  486.  Missing:  Officers  37,  privates  992. 
Aggregate,  1,643. 

Grand  Total — Killed  :  Officers  49,  privates  471.  Wounded  : 
Officers  161,  privates  2,223.  Missing:  Officers  78,  privates 
1,899.    Drowned:  Privates  2.    Aggregate,  4,883. 

THE  DRAGOONS  FOUGHT  TO  KILL. 

It  would  appear  from  this  he  did  not  "  march  when  and 
where  he  pleased,"  for  he  lost  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing 
as  many  troops  as  we  had  in  the  two  divisions,  Hampton's 
and  Lee's,  put  together;  Hampton's  division  consisting  of 
three  brigades,  Butler's,  Rosser's  aiid  Young's,  and  Fitz  Lee's 
of  two,  Wickham's  and  Lomax's  ;  and  there  must  have  been 
"  almost  a  total  annihilation  "  of  the  Federal  instead  of  the 
Rebel  cavalry.    Our  ranks  were  terribly  decimated,  but  he 


23 


never  presented  himself  that  our  thin  ranks  were  not  always 
ready  and  willing  to  meet  and  fight  him. 

Gen.  Torbert,  commanding  the  first  division  of  Sheridan's 
cavalry  corps,  says  in  his  report  of  Hawes's  Shop  : 

May  28. — The  6th  corps  arrived  and  relieved  the  cavalry 
from  this  position,  and  the  division  was  ordered  to  Hawes's 
Shop  to  support  Gen.  Gregg's  division  (the  second),  which 
had  been  ordered  to  that  point  early  in  the  mornmg.  Here 
the  enemy  was  met  in  strong  force,  the  supposition  is,  all  of 
them  cavalry.  I  was  directed  to  send  Gen.  Custer's  brigade 
to  support  Gen.  Gregg,  and  his  brigade  went  into  action 
across  the  road  leading  from  Hawes's  Shop  to  Mechanics- 
ville,  and  it  lo-t  heavily  in  both  officers  and  men,  but  it  pun- 
ished the  enemy  equally  if  not  more  severely." 

THE   TESTIMONY  OF    GEN.  CUSTER. 

Gen.  Custer  in  his  official  report,  after  describing  the  ope- 
ratic^ns  of  his  brigade  of  Michigan  troops  at  Hawes's  Shop, 
says  : 

From  an  examination  of  the  ground  after  the  engage- 
ment it  was  ascertained  that  the  loss  of  the  enemy  vvas  far 
heavier  than  during  any  previous  engagement  of  the  same 
extent  and  duration.  The  havoc  was  particularly  great  in 
Butler's  brigade  of  mounted  infantry,  composed  of  seven 
large  regiments,  principally  from  South  Carolina." 

Instead  of  *'  seven  large  regiments,"  there  were  but  two 
from  Butler's  Brigade,  all  South  Carolinians  ;  so  that  your 
heroism  and  gallantry  on  that  day  must  have  been  most  con- 
spicuous and  daring  to  have  been  estimated  at  more  than 
three  times  your  number.  I  wish  the  proper  limits  of  this 
address  permitted  me  to  make  other  and  more  copious  ex- 
tracts from  the  reports  of  the  Federal  officers,  all  uncon- 
sciously bearing  strong  evidence  of  your  gallantry  and 
splendid  courage.  I  must,  however,  content  myself  for  the 
present  with  one  or  two  others. 

Gen.  Gregg,  commanding  the  2nd  division  of  Sheridan's 
cavalry  corps,  says,  referring  to  Hawes's  Shop: 

"The  1st  brigade  of  this  division  first  engaged  the  enemy, 
and  with  such    spirited   determination    as    to  develop  the 


24 


entire  strength  of  the  enemy.  This  necessitated  the  employ- 
ment of  two  regiments  of  the  2d  brigade.  The  contest  be- 
came exceedingly  stubborn.  The  enemy,  largely  outnumber- 
ing the  force  which  I  had  to  engage,  was  yet  unable  to  do 
more  than  hold  his  position,  and  from  this  he  was  driven  at 
different  points.  For  some  hours  the  contest  was  thus  main- 
tained under  a  destructive  fire,  the  lines  of  the  contending 
forces  being  closely  drawn  up  to  each  other,"  &c. 

He  then  gives  his  losses  in  this  engagement  at  "  256  killed 
and  wounded." 

Where  the  troops  were  that  largely  outnumbered  his  is  a 
mystery.    The  outnumbering  was  largely  the  other  way. 

Col.  John  W.  Kester,  commanding  ist  New  Jersey  cavalry, 
2nd  division,  in  his  report,  says : 

"  The  enemy  directed  his  fire  at  this  part  of  the  line,  and 
the  severest  cavalry  fighting  of  the  war  raged  for  two  hours 
in  our  front.  The  enemy  was  a  new  brigade  from  South 
Carolina,  armed  with  Enfield  rifles,  and  was  very  formida- 
ble," &c. 

I  could  multiply  extracts  from  these  reports  which  would 
be  interesting  but  scarcely  appropriate  on  this  occasion. 
They  embrace  Hawes's  Shop,  Matadaquin  Creek,  Trevilian's 
Station,  White  House,  Nance's  Shop,  or  St.  Mary's 
Church,  &c. 

For  the  want  of  time,  I  take  no  note  of  the  frequent  and 
sometimes  desperate  encounters  we  had  with  the  enemy  be- 
tween the  end  of  what  we  know  as  the  Trevilian  campaign, 
the  latter  part  of  July,  1864,  and  our  transfer  to  South  Caro- 
lina in  January,  1865,  nor  of  our  long  and  wearisome  march 
through  South  and  North  Carolina,  on  the  flanks  of  Sher- 
man's columns,  and  of  our  daily  skirmishes,  combats,  and 
affairs  with  his  infantry  and  cavalry  raiders  and  bummers. 
We  were  reduced  to  a  small  column,  but  we  did  our  best  to  the 
end,  and  then  yielding  our  swords  to  an  overwhelming  force 
of  superior  numbers,  we  returned  to  our  homes  with  paroles 
of  honor,  which  have  been  observed  for  these  long  years  with 
imfaltering  fidelity. 

It  is  a  significant  fact,  and  one  of  which  every  man  who 


25 


served  in  this  brigade  of  South  Carolinians  should  be  justly 
gratified  and  proud,  that  more  conspicuous  mention  is  made 
by  our  enemies  of  its  action  in  these  various  battles,  combats, 
engagements,  &c.,  than  any  other  command  in  the  cavalry 
corps  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia.  We  may  refer  to 
this  with  pride  and  without  derogating  in  any  respect  from 
our  gallant  comrades. 

THE  DRAGOONS  NEVER  LOST  HEART. 

Our  disabled  horses  and  decimated  ranks  never  broke  the 
spirit  or  lowered  the  morale  of  this  gallant  band  of  Confeder- 
ate soldiers,  and  on  another  occasion  I  shall  endeavor  to  give 
such  a  narrative  of  their  military  operations  as  will  give  them 
that  conspicuous  and  deserving  place  in  the  history  of  the 
trying  campaigns  in  which  they  fought  with  so  much  dis- 
tinction and  gallantry.  The  Charleston  Light  Dragoons 
have  reason  to  be  proud  of  their  identification  with  this 
command.  They  had  common  glories  and  sufferings  and  a 
common  history  after  the  organization  of  the  brigade. 

The  Federal  cavalry  commanders  deal  very  summarily 
and  gingerly  with  the  Trevilian  Station  fight,  especially  the 
second  day,  (June  the  I2th),  when  our  brigade  repulsed  seven 
distinct  desperate  assaults  on  our  lines,  and  compelled  the 
enemy's  retreat  under  cover  of  night.  We  bore  the  brunt 
almost  alone  of  these  shocks  of  battle,  and  punished  Sheri- 
dan's raiders  as  they  never  had  been  punished  before.  I  in- 
corporate here  extracts  from  the  report  of  our  own  distin- 
guished commander,  Gen.  Hampton  : 

Hampton's  words  of  praise. 

''At  daylight  my  division  was  ready  to  attack  at  Trevilian 
[Station,]  [M.  C]  Butler's  and  [P.  M.  B.]  Young's  brigades 
being  held  for  that  purpose,  while  Rosser  was  sent  to  cover 
a  road  on  my  left.  Soon  after  these  dispositions  were  made, 
Gen.  Lee  sent  to  infoi  m  me  that  he  was  moving  out  to  attack. 
Butler  was  immediately  advanced  and  soon  met  the  enemy, 
whom  he  drove  handsomely  until  he  was  heavily  reinforced 
and  took  position  behind  works.  Young's  brigade  was  sent 
to  reinforce  Butler,  and  these  two  brigades  pushed  the  enemy 


26 


steadily  back,  and  I  hoped  to  effect  a  junction  with  Lee's 
division  at  Clayton's  Store  in  a  short  time;  but  while  we  were 
driving  the  enemy  in  front,  it  was  reported  to  me  that  a  force 
had  appeared  in  my  rear.  Upon  investigation  I  found  this 
report  correct.  The  brigade  which  had  been  engaging  Gen. 
Lee  having  withdrawn  from  his  front,  passed  his  left  and  got 
into  my  rear.  This  forced  me  to  withdraw  in  front  and  to 
take  up  a  new  line.  This  was  soon  done,  and  the  brigade, 
(Custer's),  which  had  attacked  me  in  rear  was  severely  pun- 
ished, for  I  recalled  Rosser's  brigade,  which  charged  them  in 
front,  driving  tliem  back  against  Gen.  Lee,  who  was  moving  up 
to  Trevilion  [Station]  and  capturing  many  prisoners,  in  this 
sudden  attack  on  my  rear,  the  enemy  captured  some  of  my 
lead  horses,  a  few  ambulances  and  wagons,  and  three  caisons. 
These  were  all  recaptured  by  Gens.  Rosser  and  Lee,  the 
latter  taking  in  addition  four  caisons  and  the  headquar- 
ters wagon  of  Brig.  Gen.  Custer.  The  new  line  being  estab- 
lished, I  directed  Gen.  Lee  to  join  me  with  his  command  as 
soon  as  possible.  The  enemy  tried  to  dislodge  me  from  my 
nev\'  position  but  failed,  and  the  relative  positions  of  the 
opposing  forces  remained  the  same  during  the  night.  The 
next  day  at  12  M.,  Gen.  Lee  reported  to  me,  and  his  division 
was  placed  so  as  to  support  mine  in  case  the  enemy  attacked. 
At  3.30  P.  M.  a  heavy  attack  was  made  on  my  left,  where 
Butler's  brigade  was  posted.  Being  repulsed,  the  enemy  made 
a  succession  of  determined  assaults,  which  were  handsomely 
repulsed." 

I  regret  my  own  official  report  of  this  brilliant  success  to 
our  arms  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and  that  I  am  unable  to  pro- 
duce it  here,  giving  detailed  accounts  of  this  and  other  en- 
gagements in  which  you  took  part." 

HARD  TO  HAVE  FOUGHT  AND  FAILED, 

Your  troop  was  reduced  to  a  handful  by  the  casualties  of 
battle  and  of  the  service.  You  suffered  and  bled  and  died  as 
good  soldiers  do  who  discharge  their  duty  with  dauntless 
courage  and  daring  audacity.  It  does  seem  hard,  and  the 
very  cruelty  of  fate,  that  so  much  suffering,  sacrifice,  depri- 
vation, fortitude  and  courage  could  not  have  been  crowned 
with  success.  But  it  must  be  right,  as  human  events  are 
regarded-  Some  overruling  Power,  stronger  than  the  pur- 
poses  and  ambitions  of  man,  however  honestly  maintained. 


27 


decreed  otherwise.  We  have  nothing  but  to  bow  our  acqui- 
escence, summoning  to  our  aid  the  consoling  reflection  that 
we  did  our  duty  as  we  saw  and  understood  it. 

I  have  sometimes  thought  it  would  have  been  better  if  we 
could  have  been  numbered  with  the  "  Dead  on  the  field  of 
battle"  than  survived  the  cause  we  held  so  dear — but  am 
admonished  of  the  impropriety  of  such  a  thought.  We  must 
have  been  permitted  to  survive  for  some  good  purpose.  If 
we  use  that  survival  for  the  good  and  honor  and  glory  of 
that  country  for  whicli  we  fought,  Vv^e  shall  at  least  have  credit 
for  being  worthy  brothers  of  our  dead  comrades.  The  dig- 
nity of  that  courage  which  overcomes  the  humiliation  of 
defeat,  without  dishonor  or  loss  of  self-respect,  is  higher  and 
grander  than  that  which  carries  the  soldier  into  the  de'adly 
breach." 

JEFFERSON  DAVIS  AND  ROBERT  E.  LEE. 

Those  of  us  who  were  less  conspicuous  in  the  great  con- 
flict have  a  priceless  example  in  the  self-respecting  dignity 
and  heroic  fortitude  of  the  two  great  men  who  represented 
the  civil  and  military  heads  of  the  Confederate  Government, 
Jefferson  Davis  and  Robert  E.  Lee.  Cowardly  malignity  and 
petty  spite  miay  attempt  to  impair  the  symmetry  of  their  illus- 
trious characters,  but  they  "  will  live  in  the  hearts  of  their 
countrymen  "  as  among  the  best  types  of  American  states- 
man and  soldier  the  country  has  ever  produced.  They  will 
live,  too,  honored,  respected  and  revered  for  their  high,  in- 
corruptible qualities,  when  their  traducers  and  their  traducers' 
idols  will  be  remembered  only  for  the  perversity  of  their  re- 
venge and  unreasonableness  of  their  hatred. 

So,  my  friends  and  comrades  and  brethren  of  the  battle- 
field, bivouac  and  camp,  cherishing  all  that  is  nobi.e  and  glo- 
rious and  charitable  in  our  fellow-countrymen  on  both  sides 
of  the  pfreat  strug-o-le,  honoring-  the  brave  and  true  wherever 
we  may  meet  or  find  them,  let  us  draw  the  veil  of  forgetful- 
ness  and  oblivion  between  us  and  all  that  is  mean,  or  sordid, 
or  coward  1}'. 

We  will  call  the  roll  of  our  dead  comrades  around  this 


28 


monument  of  your  regard  and  affection.  How  many  sur- 
vive to  answer?  Only  out  of — no  matter  now — we  must 
continue  to  call  that  roll  until  the  echoes  of  the  bugle  that 
summoned  us  to  battle,  die  away  across  the  frontier  that 
divides  us  from  eternity." 

Gen.  Butler's  oration  was  delivered  with  great  feeling,  and 
was  heartily  applauded.  In  his  closing  words,  when  he  paid 
a  glowmg  tribute  to  the  tv/o  men  who  illustrated  the  states- 
man and  soldier  of  the  Confederacy,  there  was  a  genuine 
burst  of  applause,  in  which  none  joined  more  heartily  than 
the  large  number  of  ladies  present. 

AN   HONORED  HEIRLOOM. 

At  the  close  of  Gen.  Butler's  oration,  Gen.  Rutledge,  hold- 
ing the  battle  flag  of  the  Dragoons  in  his  hand,  called  Capt. 
Stoney  to  the  stand  and  committed  the  colors  to  his  keeping 
in  the  following  remarks  : 

Capt.  Stoney :  You  have  heard  recounted,  with  soldiery 
frankness,  the  deeds  of  the  company  you  now  command. 

The  survivors  of  the  war  organization  have  deputed  me, 
who  had  the  honor  of  leading  the  company  into  the  war  and 
of  reorganizing  it  again  during  the  troublous  period  that  fol- 
lowed its  close,  to  deliver  to  you  its  flag.  There  is  no  stain 
upon  it.  No  blemish  defaces  it.  It  is  as  pure  and  unsullied 
as  the  honor  it  represents.  Take  it.  Captain,  cherish  it,  and 
let  it  be  in  your  hands  and  in  those  of  j^our  successors  for- 
ever, what  it  has  been,  the  symbol  of  gallantry,  fortitude  and 
patriotism. 

Capt.  Stoney  received  the  flag  in  behalf  of  the  Light 
Dragoons  with  a  few  well-timed  remarks,  expressive  of  the 
gratitude  of  the  Dragoons  for  the  trust  confided  to  them, 
their  reverence  for  the  flag  and  the  memories  of  the  glorious 
heroes  who  fought  under  it,  and  their  appreciation  of  the 
honorable  responsiblity  that  attached  to  its  custody,  and 
promising  that,  when  the  bugle  sound  to  duty  was  heard,  the 
Charleston  Light  Dragoons  would  not  cause  their  forebears 
to  blush,  nor  the  fair  women  to  be  ashamed  of  them. 


29 


The  young  ladies  of  the  Confederate  Home  then  encircled 
the  base  of  the  monument  with  bouquets  of  roses,  and  the 
audience  was  dismissed  with  the  benediction  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Thompson. 

The  survivors  of  the  Dragoons  had  a  reunion  last  night  at 
the  residence  of  Gen.  B.  H.  Rutledge,  No.  40  South  Battery. 

INCIDENTS. 

The  graves  of  the  Confederates  in  different  parts  of  Mag- 
nolia Cemetery  were  tastefully  decorated. 

The  sacred  spot  where  the  gallant  young  Irishman,  Capt. 
John  C.  Mitchell,  rests  in  dreamless  sleep,  was  covered  with 
fresh  and  fragrant  flowers.  They  were  placed  there  by  one 
who  reveres  the  cause  for  which  he  died. 


\_Editovial  of  the  Charleston  Ncivs  and  Courier,  of  May  iith^ 
i886:\ 

"C.  L.  D." 

A  soldier  spoke  of  soldiers,  to  soldiers  and  their  sons  and 
daughters,  at  Magnolia  yesterday.  It  was  a  soldierly  address, 
clear  in  conception,  high  in  tone,  simple  in  statement,  thrill- 
ingly  eloquent  in  its  history  of  the  valorous  endurance  of  the 
knightly  band  of  Carolinians — of  Charlestonians — who  rode 
with  Rutledge.  with  Butler,  with  Hampton,  with  Stuait,  on 
hard-fought  fields,  and  who,  in  their  very  first  engagement, 
deported  themselves  with  the  coolness  of  veterans. 

Benisons  for  the  dead  !  Hope  and  courage  for  the  living  ! 
And  benisons  and  hope,  and  faith  besides,  for  the  sons  of  the 
heroes  who  made  green  fields  incarnadine  so  many  years  ago^ 
and  who,  in  their  living  and  dying,  taught  their  descendants — 
the  young  men  whose  pulses  beat  fast,  and  whose  eyes 
burned  bright  on  yesterday,  to  dare,  and  do  and  suffer  for 
their  country,  which  is  all  our  cormtry — these  indestructible 
States,  indissolubly  united.  The  sons  of  those  who  fought  for 
the  South  in  the  days  that  are  gone  will  be  the  stay  and 
strength  of  the  American  Republic. 

General  Butler,  Major-General  in  the  Confederate  army  as 


30 


he  was,  and  Senator  of  the  United  States  as  he  is,  was  attuncil 
to  the  events  of  which  he  spoke,  for  he  had  oftentimes  Ic.i 
where  these  dead,  to  be  so  commemorated  in  everlasting  grey 
granite,  had  followed  without  question  or  doubt.  It  was  for 
him,  as  orator  of  the  day,  to  show  by  what  he  is  and  what  he 
was,  that  the  true  Union  men  to-day  are  the  honest  soldiers 
who  fought  for  their  States  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  They 
take  back  nothing.  They  complain  of  nothing.  They  are 
by  God's  will,  in  a  land  which,  in  name,  is  not  what  they  had 
dreamed  of  and  bled  for.  But,  as  they  were  true  to  the  old, 
they  are  true  to  the  new.  The  one  thing,  the  only  thing, 
they  cannot  descend  to,  these  men  of  the  stamp  of  the  chival- 
rous Dragoons  and  their  spokesman,  is  to  profess  a  contri- 
tion which  could  not  be  sincere,  or  to  admit,  or  feel,  that  they 
are,  in  any  way,  below  those  who  fought  or  talked  on  the 
other  side  in  the  cruel  war  ;  or  that  there  is  any  need,  or 
right,  for  these  Southern  people,  these  Ex-Confederates,  to 
act  less  frankly,  to  be  less  outspoken,  in  the  cause  of  the 
United  States — our  country — than  the  politicians  who  began 
to  reap  the  fruits  of  victory  before  victory  was  won,  and 
whose  only  suffering  was  in  seeing  friend  and  neighbor  go 
gladly  forth  to  the  struggle,  which  was  luxury  plus  safety  to 
the  Northern  shrieker  for  Southern  blood. 

But  the  dead  repine  not.  Their  ashes  are  as  free  from  heat 
as  should  our  sorrowing  be.  The  record  is  made  up;  the 
symmetrical  shaft,  in  the  midst  of  the  live  oaks  and  on  the 
border  of  the  waters  blue,  points  unerringly  to  tlie  azure  sky. 
The  story  of  life  and  death  is  chronicled.  And  for  these 
Dragoons,  as  for  the  Confederate  dead  everywhere  and  at  all 
times,  there  is  and  shall  be  the  silent  sympathy  of  love. 


/ 


■i 


